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A previously unwritten chapter in the design history of William Morris.

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William Morris and his Palace of Art is a comprehensive new study of Red House, Bexleyheath; the only house commissioned by William Morris and the first independent architectural work of his close friend, Philip Webb. Morris moved in to Red House as an ebullient young man of 26, with an independent income and a head brimming with ideas and the persistent question of ´how best to live? Red House, together with its Pre-Raphaelite garden, stands as the physical embodiment of his exuberant spirit, youthful ambition, passionate medievalism, creativity and great sense of possibility. For five intense years from 1860-5, it was a place of halcyon days - happy family life, loyal friendship, good humoured competition, and the jovial campaign of decorating; furnishing the house and designing the garden. Drawing on a wealth of new physical evidence, this book argues that Red House constitutes an ambitious and critical chapter in his design history. It will re-consider the inspiration it provided for the founding of ´the Firm´ of Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. (later Morris & Co.), in 1861, and the vital collaboration of Webb, Burne-Jones, Rossetti and their intimate circle in realising Morris´s dream for his house.

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Tessa Wild´s truly excellent book can be read at several levels, offering insightful biography alongside pioneering art history. Wild´s text is sparkling and exceptionally handsome. Gillian Darley The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings

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Wild, Tessa
Tessa Wild is a curator and writer specialising in nineteenth century art.

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